Letter: We will have to wait and see if the rhetoric of Donald Trump is matched by his actions
A letter from Michael Palmer:
I slept at 9pm (UK time) on the night of the US election and woke up at 3am to watch the results of it. From the very start, Trump was leading.
“Too close to call” was a phrase that was often repeated even when it was obvious there was no real contest. On a policy basis, Harris would be better for the UK and EU on economic and foreign policy, being more rational and predictable than Trump.
However, the US electorate have spoken and have chosen Trump. Why have they done this? The phrase “Oppositions don’t win elections; governments lose them” comes to mind. The Biden administration had numerous failures. Even then, having Biden as a candidate when he clearly should not have been was probably what gave Trump the advantage. Harris only had a few months to campaign – I wonder what might have happened if she had more time or if another candidate not associated with Biden tried.
I am sceptical of Trump’s US foreign policy, particularly on Ukraine. Trump said that he would have had the war in Ukraine resolved immediately, though he hasn’t gone into detail on how he would do that. From my point of view, it is essential that the USA continues to support Ukraine against Russia and to deter Russia and other states like it from aggressive military action.
We all know politicians often say one thing and do another. We will have to see if the rhetoric of Trump matches his actions. World politics today has become more unpredictable and uncertain.
Michael Palmer, Newtownards